Kibra rivals fight for Ken Okoth legacy

Dagoreti South MP John Kiarie and Jubilee candidate McDonald Mariga campaign in Laini Saba yesterday. [David Gichuru]

Three campaigns, three parties and three candidates, all walking in the shadow of former MP Ken Okoth. That was the backdrop of Kibra by-election campaigns yesterday.

ODM candidate Bernard Okoth, popularly known as Imran, pledged to carry on his brother's legacy.

“We cannot have leaders being imposed on the people of Kibra. We have the ability to lead because we understand the challenges facing us and we have solutions to them,” said Imran.

Imran said that if elected, he would construct a vocational training school near Toi Primary School to help the youth get technical skills.

Apart from empowering the youth, Imran explained that should he get the nod to succeed his brother Okoth, he would distribute bursaries to all without bias.

Give bursaries

Jubilee aspirant McDonald Mariga campaigned at Laini Saba Grounds where he held a rally to woo voters.

Like Imran, Mr Mariga said he would carry on Okoth's legacy by ensuring Kibra residents of school going age get education.

He said he would ensure bursaries are distributed fairly.

"It is everyone's right to get education and get these bursaries without discrimination," Mariga said.

He was accompanied by Langata MP Nixon Korir, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa, nominated senator Millicent Omanga and Members of County Assemblies, among others.

Mariga assured the youth that sports would also be top of his agenda.

ANC candidate Eliud Owalo was expected at Friends Church, Ngong Road, yesterday.

Major boost

Imran, got a major boost after Jubilee MP Maoka Maore (Igembe North) and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru threw their weight behind him.

Maore and Waweru join other Jubilee leaders who have pledged to support Imran among them Maina Kamanda (nominated) and Nairobi Speaker Beatrice Elachi. The leaders branded Imran a "handshake" candidate.

Imran was joined by ODM MPs including George Aladwa (Makadara), Caleb Khamisi (Saboti), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), and nominated senators Rose Nyamunga and Getrude Musuruve.

Mr Aladwa, while drumming up support for Imran, said the peace being enjoyed in the country today was courtesy of the ‘handshake’ between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking at Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Mr Kamanda told the faithful that Imran is a ‘handshake’ candidate who preaches unity and inclusiveness of all Kenyans.

He said the new found love among communities should last beyond 2022.